The Big 12 — of tailgating

Out-partying the SEC, with its passionate fans and mild weather for most of the season, is difficult. But the SEC hasn't cornered the market on top tailgating. Associated Press college football writer Ralph D. Russo offers his top 12 tailgate campuses.

September 6, 2010 12:00 AM

Photo: johnnyroadtrip.com

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12. PURDUE

Makes the list for this alone: One Boilermakers fan converted a coffin into a grill and ice chest, and brought it to the game in a hearse.

12. PURDUE

Makes the list for this alone: One Boilermakers fan converted a coffin into a grill and ice chest, and brought it to the game in a hearse.

The fraternities band together on gameday for a massive party and a Tiger can’t swing its tail without hitting a plate of barbecued meat.

11. CLEMSON

The fraternities band together on gameday for a massive party and a Tiger can’t swing its tail without hitting a plate of barbecued meat.

Photo: Block-c.com

11. CLEMSON
The fraternities band together on gameday for a... Photo-1243549.17724 - Houston Chronicle

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10. ARMY

It’s a much smaller affair at West Point and the eats aren’t quite as elaborate, but the setting along the banks of the Hudson River is stunning.

10. ARMY

It’s a much smaller affair at West Point and the eats aren’t quite as elaborate, but the setting along the banks of the Hudson River is stunning.

Photo: Commissioneroftailgating.com

10. ARMY
It’s a much smaller affair at West Point and the... Photo-1243550.17724 - Houston Chronicle

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9. AUBURN

Tailgating is not just for pregame at Auburn. Visit Toomer’s Corner (above) after the Tigers win. It’s where the campus and the city converge and students toilet paper the trees to celebrate victories. less

9. AUBURN

Tailgating is not just for pregame at Auburn. Visit Toomer’s Corner (above) after the Tigers win. It’s where the campus and the city converge and students toilet paper the trees to celebrate ... more

Photo: Auburn University

9. AUBURN
Tailgating is not just for pregame at Auburn. Visit... Photo-1243551.17724 - Houston Chronicle

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8. PENN STATE

Paternoville is the name of the tent city that sprouts up around Beaver Stadium the week before a game. For Temple, there might be a dozen or so tents. For Ohio State, the number might reach triple digits. less

8. PENN STATE

Paternoville is the name of the tent city that sprouts up around Beaver Stadium the week before a game. For Temple, there might be a dozen or so tents. For Ohio State, the number might reach ... more

Photo: Annemarie Mountz, Penn State University

8. PENN STATE
Paternoville is the name of the tent city that... Photo-1243552.17724 - Houston Chronicle

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7. TEXAS

Barbecue smokers big enough to fit a side of beef, the cheerleaders wear chaps and when it comes to college towns, Austin is about as good as it gets.

7. TEXAS

Barbecue smokers big enough to fit a side of beef, the cheerleaders wear chaps and when it comes to college towns, Austin is about as good as it gets.

It’s all about the food. Hot dogs, burgers and brats? Please. Try spicy alligator, andouille sausage, gumbo, crawfish and maybe a little shrimp etouffee. Plenty of beverages to wash it all down, too. less

1. LOUISIANA STATE

It’s all about the food. Hot dogs, burgers and brats? Please. Try spicy alligator, andouille sausage, gumbo, crawfish and maybe a little shrimp etouffee. Plenty of beverages to wash it all ... more